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Sunday, December 18, 2011

A Mythology Lesson

Rick Riordan is making mythology interesting to young readers. Yes, Greek and Roman myths are interesting on their own, but let's face it. Younger kids, especially now, are getting harder and harder to entertain, with all of this technology and information at their fingertips. Rick Riordan has written multiple series that get kids interested in mythology again. And not just Greek mythology. Sure, Percy Jackson was all about Greek mythology. But he has another series about Egyptian mythology, and his spin off of Percy Jackson includes both Roman and Greek mythology. His books aren't just entertaining, they're educational as well. That's what I think is fantastic about them. While reading The Son of Neptune, I learned things about Greek and Roman mythology that I had never known before. And I always love learning new things while I'm reading.

The Son of Neptune is the second book in the Heroes of Olympus series, The Lost Hero being the first. The Lost Hero follows the events at Camp Half-Blood, Percy has gone missing and this mysterious hero has appeared in his place. The Son of Neptune switches to Percy's point of view, and catches the reader up on what has happened with Percy during the events in The Lost Hero. At the beginning, Percy has lost his memory, and he arrives at a mysterious camp, Camp Jupiter, where he meets Frank and Hazel, both characters that hold dangerous secrets. The three of them get sent on a mission that will decide the fate of both camps, and the rest of the world. Will they succeed? You'll have to read to find out :)

I loved the fact that Riordan told the story from the points of view of all three main characters. It really allows the reader to get the whole story, see what's happening from all different angles, and especially since Percy has lost his memory for a majority of the book, you can really understand what's going on. Also, you get to know a lot more about Hazel and Frank through hearing them tell their own stories. They each have very interesting and intricate stories that wouldn't have been nearly as effective coming from Percy. You become more intimate to these characters this way, and I think it will be interesting when the 7 of the prophecy (mentioned in the first book, and the driving force of the series) all come together. Will Riordan tell the story from all of their points of view? That's a lot of main characters to keep track of, but the way he has set up the series leads me to believe that this is the way that he's going to do it. It will definitely make for an interesting, and long, book.

I love Percy Jackson. I have ever since I picked up The Lightning Thief. He's just such a likable character, and his weakness is endearing. To have a friend who is completely loyal is something that everyone wants. Percy would give his life for his closest friends. And I think that is what makes the whole series, the first and now the second. Rick Riordan created a very, very likable character, and I think that's what drives a lot of people to the series. Yes, it's well written, and yes, it has an interesting plot line, but those aren't the only things that make a book. A book can have both of those things and still be an absolutely horrible book. The characters make the story. And Riordan has definitely created characters that make a great story.

Now I am reading Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, and I am super excited. I love this book, and this trilogy, and while I think the first two are more exciting, I still like Mockingjay. But more on that later. Until I finish Mockingjay, happy reading! :)